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President Emmanuel Macron | Source: Getty Images
President Emmanuel Macron | Source: Getty Images

Interaction Between Emmanuel Macron & Princess Catherine During a State Banquet at Windsor Castle Ignites Buzz

Andrii Tykhyi
Jul 09, 2025 - 10:13 A.M.

Something about the way President Emmanuel Macron looked at the future Queen of England—quick, subtle, and almost mischievous—has set the internet ablaze, with royal watchers decoding body language and questioning boundaries.

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In a room glittering with royalty, crystal chandeliers, and diplomatic formality, it wasn't a grand speech or toast that stole the night. Instead, it was a brief exchange between Macron and Princess Catherine of Wales during a state banquet at Windsor Castle that captured the public's imagination.

The banquet, part of Macron's official visit to the United Kingdom, was rich in tradition and ceremony. But amid the grandeur, the fleeting gesture between the President and the Princess quickly became the night's most talked-about moment.

Cameras caught the two in conversation, just before Macron seemingly offered a discreet wink during a toast—an action some labeled flirtatious, others inappropriate, and a few chalked it up to French charm.

Netizens on social media quickly jumped into the comment section of Hello Magazine's Instagram post. "No one can resist Kate ❤️," one person wrote admiringly. Another added, "That will get him in trouble with his wife 😬😅," hinting at potential marital discomfort.

Echoing the admiration, someone else commented, "She's irresistible!" But not all reactions were amused, "A cheeky wink! How rude!" said another, clearly unimpressed by the gesture.

On Facebook, Daily Mail readers added to the debate "What's wrong with winking at a beautiful woman, just having a bit of fun... that's all!" one Facebooker defended. Another simply wrote, "Ooof little cheeky wink." However, not everyone found it so lighthearted, "So disrespectful !!!" one user declared, interpreting the wink as crossing the line of diplomatic decorum.

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The conversation continued under a post by GB News, where the responses reflected the broader cultural split. One netizen described the moment as, "Ooh a little creepy." Another celebrated Macron's earlier gesture at the airport, "Loved the way he kissed her hand when he arrived at the Airport, typically French?! Just great, that someone respects our lovely future Queen!!!!"

A final comment speculated on seating arrangements and their implications, "He was loving it, completely mesmerised by her by the looks. Clever move putting her to sit next to him."

As the buzz grew, it became clear the moment struck different chords—gallant to some, inappropriate to others. Macron, known for his composed demeanor and theatrical flair, has not addressed the reaction.

Kensington Palace has remained equally silent. In the high-stakes world of diplomacy, where even the subtlest gestures are scrutinized, a single wink has once again shown how quickly perception can eclipse protocol—and how one glance, captured on camera, can spark a global conversation.

Here are pictures from the banquet:

1.

President Emmanuel Macron makes a toast with Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, west of London, on July 8, 2025. The French President winks at the Princess, sparking speculations and diverse interpretations online.

President Emmanuel Macron makes a toast with Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, west of London, on July 8, 2025. The French President winks at the Princess, sparking speculations and diverse interpretations online.

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2.

France's President Emmanuel Macron is caught on camera as he winks during a toast with Britain's Princess Catherine of Wales at a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, west of London, on July 8, 2025.

France's President Emmanuel Macron is caught on camera as he winks during a toast with Britain's Princess Catherine of Wales at a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, west of London, on July 8, 2025.

3.

President Emmanuel Macron makes conversation with Princess Catherine during the state banquet held during his three-day visit to England. The President is all smiles as he interacts with the Princess.

President Emmanuel Macron makes conversation with Princess Catherine during the state banquet held during his three-day visit to England. The President is all smiles as he interacts with the Princess.

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4.

French President is photographed clinking his glass with Princess Catherine's during the state banquet held in Windsor Castle, west London. The dinner was attended by several royalties and dignitaries.

French President is photographed clinking his glass with Princess Catherine's during the state banquet held in Windsor Castle, west London. The dinner was attended by several royalties and dignitaries.

5.

France's President clinks wine glasses with King Charles during the banquet in Windsor Castle, west London. The French President gives off that French charm.

France's President clinks wine glasses with King Charles during the banquet in Windsor Castle, west London. The French President gives off that French charm.

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6.

President Emmanuel Macron applauds after Britain's King Charles III delivered a speech during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on the first day of his visit.

President Emmanuel Macron applauds after Britain's King Charles III delivered a speech during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on the first day of his visit.

7.

The majestic hallway of the banquet hall in Windsor Castle, west London. The royal staff is getting the hall ready for the banquet that housed several dignitaries, royalties, and international diplomacies, including Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

The majestic hallway of the banquet hall in Windsor Castle, west London. The royal staff is getting the hall ready for the banquet that housed several dignitaries, royalties, and international diplomacies, including Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

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8.

France's President, Emmanuel Macron and King Charles III appear to be in a conversation. Princess Catherine is also seen in the picture frame looking ahead with a smile on her face.

France's President, Emmanuel Macron and King Charles III appear to be in a conversation. Princess Catherine is also seen in the picture frame looking ahead with a smile on her face.

9.

French excellency, President Emmanuel Macron gives a speech at the state banquet prepared for he and his wife Brigitte during their visit in the United Kingdom.

French excellency, President Emmanuel Macron gives a speech at the state banquet prepared for he and his wife Brigitte during their visit in the United Kingdom.

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10.

Dignitaries, royalties, and international diplomacies are seated at the long table as Britain's King Charles III delivers a speech during the state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle, west of London.

Dignitaries, royalties, and international diplomacies are seated at the long table as Britain's King Charles III delivers a speech during the state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle, west of London.

11.

Emmanuel Macron looks on as King Charles III delivers his speech during the banquet held in west London in honor of the French President.

Emmanuel Macron looks on as King Charles III delivers his speech during the banquet held in west London in honor of the French President.

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12.

British royalties, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Catherine, attend the state banquet at Windsor Castle.

British royalties, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Catherine, attend the state banquet at Windsor Castle.

13.

King Charles III with President of France Emmanuel Macron walk the halls of the castle to the banquet hall. They are followed by Queen Camilla and First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron who also attend the state banquet in London.

King Charles III with President of France Emmanuel Macron walk the halls of the castle to the banquet hall. They are followed by Queen Camilla and First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron who also attend the state banquet in London.

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14.

Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine are all smiles as they attend the banquet held in honour of the Macrons.

Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine are all smiles as they attend the banquet held in honour of the Macrons.

15.

Princess Catherine gives a big smile as she attends the state banquet in a royal outfit that gives her a graceful look.

Princess Catherine gives a big smile as she attends the state banquet in a royal outfit that gives her a graceful look.

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